An innovative Mid-Ulster and North West company which has increased staff numbers by almost 50% this year to more than 160 people is continuing to invest significantly with support from Ulster Bank.
Kenny’s Group, which comprises convenience stores, forecourts and wine stores at six locations in Mid-Ulster and the North West, is investing £1.5million this year alone with help from the bank. It is also set to unveil an innovative new online wine store and home delivery service.
The new venture, homedeliverywine.com, will launch this week, offering more than 700 products. It will also feature a regularly updated blog with expert opinions, videos on wine tasting and relevant news.
The group’s owner, Kenny Bradley, says that the online store will allow the company to reach a new and wider audience, including outside the local area and outside of Northern Ireland.
He continues: “With strong backing from Ulster Bank, we have been investing in the group, in terms of capital investment, but also in staff training, staff uniforms, branding and marketing. As a result, we have been able to continue to expand the company and to increase employment in the local area.”
The Ulster Bank-supported revamp of the group’s Highfield convenience store and forecourt in Magherfelt alone has resulted in a 58% increase in sales, which has led to an increase in the group’s turnover to more than £20m.
Ulster Bank corporate banking senior manager, Allen Reid, says that the bank is pleased to support the group’s continuing success, including the new venture.
“Kenny is very entrepreneurial and despite the challenging economic environment he has been able to continue to grow his business through good management. His latest venture is forward thinking and complements his existing trade.” he points out.
Ulster Bank’s Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking, Northern Ireland, Kenton Hilman, says: “The growth of online retailing has created opportunities for many Northern Ireland businesses and we are pleased to see Kenny’s Group investing to capitalise on the potential to widen his customer-based beyond the local area and potentially outside of Northern Ireland. Ulster Bank is working closely with a wide range of customers who are growing their sales online and we are pleased to support their innovative ventures.”
